Landing with a splash
Contributing Writer
Being the top prospect in the Red Sox organization and ranked 8th overall in the majors by Baseball America, it is no surprise that Xander Bogaerts has landed at Pawtucket with a splash.
Friday playing in a double header at short stop in his first appearance at the Triple-A level, he was all that and a bag of chips. He went 3 for 8, with 3 hits, 1 HR, 2 RBI's, 1 walk, 1 stolen base, and only two strike outs.
Oh, and by the way, he is only 20 years old.
Not the youngest in Pawtucket history, but currently the youngest player in the Eastern League. He has been pushing the envelope with his progress through the Red Sox organization, rising to Triple-A in just three short years in the minors.
Last year in Double-A, he was hitting .326, on base at .351, and with runners on base slugging .598 he was a very dangerous hitter. This year over the first 56 games he was lighting it up again.
You did not have to tell this to the Dutch Overseas Fans as they have been watching him play for the national team since 2011. We are always excited to follow Dutch players crossing the pond to make a splash in America, but in this case we are talking about a prospect that is being compared to the likes of Manny Machado, Anthony Rizzo, Andrew McCutchen, Ryan Zimmerman, Joe Mauer, Jose Reyes, Adrian Gonzalez, Brandon Phillips and Jimmy Rollins.
I can't wait to see this guy get a shot at Fenway, to see him join Jackie Bradley Jr. as they are the exciting future of the Red Sox. It is a real possibility should anything happen to the current infield positions of second base, third base, or short stop. He will be rotating through these positions the coming months down at Pawtucket so that he will be ready to fill any needs the Red Sox might have later this season.
Keep an eye on Xander Bogaerts, you will be hearing this name again, without a doubt.
Post a comment or via twitter @ericschabell with your thoughts.
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